It is now certain changes to the North Battleford traffic bylaw will not come in until after the municipal election.
The issue was not brought up at Monday's council meeting, and with the next council meeting being devoted solely to the ceremonial swearing-in ceremonies it looks like it will still be several weeks yet before bylaw changes will be ready to go to council for approval.
The new traffic bylaw has been a source of controversy over provisions that would have hit trucks of 16,400 kg and up with steep permit fees for driving off the assigned truck routes in the city.
The prospect of trucks facing $6,000 in annual fees raised alarm bells from the Saskatchewan Trucking Association and also from the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.
Battlefords Chamber of Commerce directors got an update Tuesday on the status of bylaw changes.
Executive Director Linda Machniak told the directors that based on discussions she had with City Clerk Debbie Wohlberg on the issue, it would be "a minimum of six weeks" before something could be brought forward for council to consider.
"The indication is they are continue to work on options related to that bylaw and the issues related to the truckers' concerns," Machniak told the board.
Machniak reported there were discussions at a city executive committee meeting last week about setting up a transportation committee. However, no moves have been made yet in that regard. Other discussions by city administration have been ongoing as well.
There was considerable sentiment expressed by Chamber directors, including president Pat Smith, to continue to be proactive in their push for changes to the traffic bylaw.
The consensus from directors was that the Chamber ought to have an opportunity to see the possible bylaw changes and provide input before it is enacted
Councillor Ron Crush liked that idea but made clear he wanted administration to have time to make the changes needed to the traffic bylaw. "
It's only fair to give administration the opportunity to rework that, given the input they have got," said Crush.
